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If you’re in the market for a vintage sofa, then you know how the term “couch surfing” can take on a whole new meaning—and not necessarily a relaxing one. When it comes to vintage sofas, options abound—one touts itself as a tuxedo sofa, while another a camelback. And let’s not forget the decision between a standard sofa, sectional sofa, and the oft-forgotten loveseast sofa. Not sure of the difference? Trust us, you’re not alone! To help, we’ve broken down some of the most common types of vintage sofas. Whether you’re into modern sofas or plump, traditional tufted couches covered in chintz, get ready to meet your match!

TUXEDO SOFA

As its name suggests, the tuxedo sofa is a luxurious, black tie-ready sofa that personifies cosmopolitan cool. Originating in the 1920s (in none other than Tuxedo Park, New York), this contemporary sofa is defined by its boxy silhouette created by panel-like arms that are the same height as the sofa’s back. The other hallmark of this modern sofa? Deep, pucker-up tufting on the back rest. While the straight-backed nature of the tuxedo sofa perhaps better suits it to formal living rooms than romp-y family rooms, a linen or cotton upholstery can downplay it glamorous Gatsby vibes. In terms of space, a tuxedo sofa can be an excellent option if you’re looking for a small sofa. Their square form lends them to easy downsizing, so you’ll readily find them in loveseat form.

CAMELBACK SOFA

If you’re aiming to make a traditional but subtly sexy statement, you can’t do better than a camelback sofa. A confidently structured sofa, with just a hint of romance (thanks to its meandering back), the camelback is believed to have originated from a Thomas Chippendale design. In fact, if you recall a Chippendale chair or armoire, it’s apparent that a camelback sofa shares many of the same traits, including claw-footed, cabriole legs and scrolled arms. While modern sofa iterations take many liberties with the camelback’s form, the center arch—or hump—is integral to making a sofa a camelback as opposed to a settee. While we’ll admit that this couch exudes prim and proper airs, a cheeky printed upholstery can freshen things right up. We also love this couch in loveseat sofa form—make that, velvet loveseat form.

CHESTERFIELD SOFA

A Brit by birth, the chesterfield sofa is something of an anomaly. One minute this tufted couch can feel grandly traditional, while the next it can read as unexpectedly funky. What's the story? Well, we think it’s the way this vintage sofa’s boxy silhouette—similar to the tuxedo sofa’s in that it features a level back and arms—is contrasted by playful details like scrolled arms and all-over tufting. You may think of chesterfields as purely leather sofas, but when swathed in a pretty pastel velvet a Chesterfield can feel whimsical and feminine. And cloaked in an uproarious red leather? Well, that’s a leather couch that will feel delightfully offbeat. In fact, the only thing mandatory for this tufted couch is a large room, since thanks to a deep seat, it packs one colossal footprint.

ENGLISH ROLL ARM SOFA

If you’re looking to give your space a sophisticated yet playful note, try an English roll arm sofa. In congruency with its name, this traditional-meets-contemporary sofa showcases abbreviated, bun-like arms paired with plush cushions and turned spindle legs. While the sofa's roll arms don’t run the length of the entire sofa seat, they are amply cushioned, making them a keystone of the design—those arms will also serve as a divine pillow during mid-afternoon nap session, just saying. Among our favorite things about the English roll arm sofa is its ability to feel simultaneously refined and casual. Like the camelback sofa, we also love to see the English Roll interpreted as a small loveseat.

MID-CENTURY SOFA

Sometimes you want a couch that’s just that—a couch. One with no bells and whistles to get in the way of some deep R and R. That sofa? A Mid-Century sofa. Featuring a low, skimming profile, the Mid-Century sofa is an ode to function and simplicity. Even better is the fact that these sofas can pack a small footprint, making them perfect for tucking into compact spaces. That said, if you have a large space to fill, you can’t go wrong with a Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa. Thanks to their minimal silhouette, a Mid-Century sectional is just about the most unobtrusive sectional sofa on the market.

TRACK ARM SOFA

Need a used sofa that allows you to multitask? By which we mean, a modern sofa that allows you to comfortably sit while shooting off an email and catching up on The Bachelor? If so, then try a track arm sofa! Just as its name suggests, this used sofa features wide, spacious arms. The extra wide girth makes this sofa’s arms perfect for balancing a laptop, remote, and maybe even a container of takeout (you know, for those nights when dining at the table is just not an option). In addition to the arms, this contemporary sofa showcases a blocky, rectangular silhouette that feels perfectly modern. Find a used sofa with a track arm shape you love, but upholstery that’s struggling? Lucky for you, used track arm sofas are often the perfect shape for slipcovers. And need we even say that the sectional couch version of this sofa is all kinds of amazing?